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Way back in 2018, @devintalley asked about your thoughts about IT staff being asked to perform manual labor tasks outside of your assigned IT duties. It sparked a lively conversation, raising questions about the best use of skills, respect for different roles, and the realities of workplace dynamics. We’re revisiting this conversation to see how perspectives have changed (it has been 7 years since then, believe it or not). Whether you’ve been asked to move furniture, set up events, or handle other non-IT-related tasks, we want to hear your thoughts.

How do you feel about IT staff being asked to perform manual labor tasks outside of their assigned IT duties?
  • It’s sometimes necessary, and I’m generally okay with it, especially if it’s for a good cause or helps the team.
  • I’ll do it if asked, but it’s not part of my job description, and I’d prefer to focus on IT tasks.
  • I strongly dislike it; it’s a waste of my skills and time, and I feel it’s disrespectful.
  • It depends on the specific task, the urgency, and how often it’s requested.
  • I’ve never been asked to do manual labor as part of my IT role.
  • Other, let us know below.
0 voters

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21 Spice ups
2

When I was in the office full time I’d actually consider this a nice break from the IT grind.

52 Spice ups
3

I’ve already got a thousand things to do and don’t want to accept more, no you don’t need a sysadmin to plug in a powerboard. I swear people like to play dumb to avoid anything-to-do-with-tech-in-any-way tasks.

If my boss asks me to do anything I’ll do it though. I really don’t mind. My time is paid for already. If he tells me to sweep the floors I’ll sweep the floors and it’s all good, best paid floor sweeper in the region. :slightly_smiling_face:

23 Spice ups
4

If you are in IT, how does it include moving PCs if users move or change seating arrangements ?

Then when fixing servers, how about when it involves removing 1U servers out of the rack (maybe due to the need replace parts but blocked) ?
Or replacing server hardware etc ?

6 Spice ups
5

As a VERY small IT team of less than 3 members, it is sometimes necessary as there may be no other team members from maintenance etc. available. One thing I do detest in a job description is “other tasks as required” which is a horrible catch all phrase for “It’s in your job description” to allow management to assign you to any task they see fit. However, if we’re being paid reasonably well and management don’t mind paying the normal $$$ for a menial task, I’m OK with it. Just don’t let it become part of normal duties!

14 Spice ups
6

Depending on what it is, I don’t usually mind as it gives the brain a rest (maybe) and the body some exercise (probably).

However … if I’m in the middle of something that I don’t want to break my flow or loose my train of thought, then I may well object.

But when all is said and done, if you’re paying me, my time is yours - just don’t demean or abuse me.

14 Spice ups
7

Depending on what it is, I am cool with it. Break from IT stuff and gets me out of my desk (though, I normally ensure I am out of my desk frequently).

However, if it becomes a regular occurrence as in staff don’t make a effort to contact Maintenance to do the physical work. I will put my foot down.

9 Spice ups
8

My first role was in a small office as part of a 3 man IT team. Out of the 15 total staff, we were the only men. For the first 3 years I was part of that team, I was asked to move whole offices and even drill holes in walls (with less than 100% confidence I wouldn’t hit water pipes or electric cables.) All with zero training (not even a ‘lift with your knees’) or thanks. This was because we were the only men. I don’t have an issue changing water cooler bottles, lifting heavy boxes or shuffling a filing cabinet, as we also had to rack servers and shift large UPS batteries. But the expectation on us was definitely of dubious legal standing for UK, even in 2009. Luckily, my manager got tired of the double-standard and refused to continue, forcing them to hire a ‘man with a van’. Due to this initial experience, I have a near zero tolerance for any requests outside my role’s remit. I’m paid to do technical knowledge work in an office, I’m not free muscle, nor a handyman service. No amount of talk regarding chivalry, good manners or ‘being a man’ can persuade me otherwise. If you need something moving, hire a mover. If you need something maintaining, hire maintenance staff. If you won’t pay for it, that shows exactly how much value you place on my physical wellbeing.

11 Spice ups
9

Doesn’t both me in the slightest. If I get asked to help out with some manual labour then I’ll do it no worries.

It’s actually something I enjoy doing as it’s a bit different and of course doesn’t need any brain power to do.

7 Spice ups
10

If it’s for an IT related issue (e.g. desk moves) no issues.
Anything else, subject to negotiation.

11 Spice ups
11

Don’t mind it - gets me away from the screens.

8 Spice ups
12

I don’t mind it even though some of the work is not my favorite. I have run network cables from scissor lifts and in attics. if there is an electrician involved, we often ask them to do the network cables for us since they are already running wires. If there is no one else, and I am the only full time IT my company has so it more or less a case of “who else is going to do it?” Honestly, the physical labor is good for me. However, after being in a hot, dusty attic for a few hours, I feel out of place afterwards sitting at a desk if I didn’t have a chance to fully clean up.

5 Spice ups
13

It’s a necessary evil on occasion, especially when it comes to servers or anything in our area or comms rooms, but no, I’m not helping you move an 84" Surface Hub up two flights of stairs again.

8 Spice ups
14

Normally i don’t mind, have spent time putting together desks, chairs, etc. Cable running? That’s all part of the job. Problem with a personal mobile phone? Not my issue. Tear down Christmas trees, yep done that. Put up bunting. etc, done that too.
Shut down some offices in Northern Ireland 10yrs ago, had to do the IT audit, strip out equipment and wait for it to be collected. Found £1100 in cash in an envelope in a drawer, raised it with manager, finance, etc and kept it with me. Chased it up every week and kept a hold of the money until i got a reply, reply never came and i was made redundant 6months later. Yes, i kept the cash

11 Spice ups
15

I don’t mind giving a hand setting something up or moving something but I’m not a maintenance guy, I would prefer my work be IT related.

7 Spice ups
16

As long as it isn’t moving hay bales, I’m pretty good. Those are itchy. They pay me to work, it’s quite literally their prerogative and it can be a nice break from staring at the screen.

8 Spice ups
17

Always have a friend with a truck. That is what we say here in the US. Just in case you need to move. I was that friend for awhile.
When I was in the office, I’d do just about anything anyone asked me. Like someone else said, I’m still getting paid.

8 Spice ups
18

I think it’s a nice break from staring at a screen all day. It can get really exhausting.

4 Spice ups
19

As a 1-man show, I occasionally find myself having to ask others for help when I need bodies to do something, so I have zero issues returning the favor, and even appreciate the break from time-to-time. As long as everyone understands IT-related issues take priority (and I’ve never had an issue with anyone NOT understanding this) and I’m physically capable of doing what is being asked, I’m game.

11 Spice ups
20

I work for a small company (about 100 users), and when you’re in an organization that size, everyone often has to wear multiple hats. If you have the mindset that you will only do tasks related to your department, you won’t succeed in an SMB. For example, the other day when I was heading home, the handle to one of main double doors fell off as I pulled it open. Since I know how to fix it, I just set my bag down, got my tools, and took care of it. Is that in my primary job duties as an IT Manager? No, but that’s what we do to help each other out and keep the company moving when we work in a small organization.

15 Spice ups